Valour FC’s third home game against Hamilton’s Forge FC on Thursday will provide one more piece of evidence as to the viability of pro soccer in Winnipeg.

While just under 10,000 fans attended the home opener, the crowd for the second game shrunk to less than 6,000, still more than enough, though, to keep the team’s bean counters happy.

Valour coach/GM Rob Gale says the enthusiasm at the stadium has been a pleasant surprise so far.

“I’ve got to say, fair play to our crowd,” Gale said. “How quickly they’ve got going and created our atmosphere has been a surprise. Because it’s been so long without that kind of culture or atmosphere, and just the fact they’re out there. It’s been top drawer … coming together and creating as quickly as they have a great atmosphere has been excellent.”

Players, too, say the crowd support in Winnipeg has been more than they could have expected.

“Being in a new league, a new city, I really didn’t know what to expect,” former Montreal Impact midfielder Louis Beland-Goyette said. “When I stepped on the field for the first game, I was really impressed. I’ve been in MLS and a lot of cities. Not every stadium has fans that react to every play that goes on the field and every referee decision.

“I’m proud to play in front of people that know football, know soccer like that.”

Defender Skylar Thomas came to Valour from the Charleston Battery of the United Soccer League.

“After seeing that home opener, it was very special,” Thomas said. “We just hope they keep coming out and we hope that we keep putting a good product on the field for them to enjoy.”